Random acts of kindness can turn a bad day good, put a smile on your face and even let you know life isn’t so bad after all. Kindness is easy and it can start right at home.
At home
I have discovered that kids enjoy helping out at home, whether it’s placing peanut butter cookies on the baking sheet or using a watering can to water the flowers. For the holiday season, one fun way to give a random act of kindness is by creating a holiday thank you basket for the delivery drivers and mail carriers stopping by your house. Encourage your kids to think of items to put inside the basket. Remember: It’s the holiday season, so make it festive if you can!
What you need:
- A plastic or wooden basket, crate or container
- Pre-packaged individual snacks such as small chips, granola bars, crackers and cheese, cookies, peanuts, etc.
- Full-size candy bars or treats like Starburst or Twizzlers
- Beverages such as bottles of water, Gatorade or powder flavor packets for water bottles
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
Snack sign and clear plastic holder for it
Tape
Create
- Arrange snacks inside your weather-proof basket. Try larger snacks towards the back and small treats to the front so the delivery drivers don’t miss anything, or use freezer bags and place snacks inside, so it can be a grab-and-go for the drivers.
- Create and print a sign that says thank you along with your special message to them.
- Laminate the sign or place it in a clear document holder so that it is not ruined by the weather.
- Place your basket on a small stand near your front door (or wherever your packages are delivered.) Take the basket outside first thing in the morning and bring it inside at the end of the day.
- Rearrange the basket and do the same thing the next day.
In the community
If you are looking to make a difference in the community, here are a few ideas perfect for families:
- Creating Kindness Rocks is a great way to spread positive messages. All you need is paint and a permanent marker. Write cheerful messages on the rocks and leave them in random spots throughout your community for someone to find.
- Do you have new or unused toys or household items at home? Take the family to do a drop-off donation at the Methodist Children’s Home Society. Check its wish list online at mchsmi.org.
- Spread some kindness by feeding the birds. Create a bird feeder with your little ones and enjoy hours of watching the birds feast on the goodies.
Darlene A. White is a metro Detroit mom to twin preschoolers. She enjoys sharing the realities of Twin Mom Life and believes after two cups of coffee, you can do anything!
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